flip camcorder vs other brands

[twinsplusone]

I'm thinking of getting DH a flip for father's day but Amazon has a good deal on the Kodak zi8. I know nothing about these other than friends have the flips and love them. I don't really care about the brand name I just want to get an easy to use camcorder. Also does he need the HD version? Thanks for any help or opinions you can offer.

 

[Muushka]

We have a Vado and really like it. I just read the reviews before I buy anything that I am not familiar with. I strongly suggest getting the HD (my Vado is 720p) because the picture is much better than a traditional camera.

 

[NewWorld Traveler]

I did a lot of research on this recently to purchase a mini-camcorder for my wife (anniversary). Basically, it came down to the flip vs. the Kodak Zi8. Although both are good, I went with the Zi8 for several reasons:

- CNET rated video quality better than flip (not by much though)
- Can record 1080p and 720p 60fps (30fps max on flip and no 1080)
- Has expansion slot for up to 32 gb memory card (not limited by flip's 8gb internal memory)
- External mic input to improve quality of sound (both have internal mics but external is better)
- Color -- purchased raspberry (flip only had black/white/metal)
- Amazon price was great & are currently giving a free rechargeable battery with Zi8 purchase

Hope this helps.

 

[Kies99]

I have the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 and couldn't be happier. It does both HD video and stills.

I looked up a youtube comparison between the Xacti and the Zi8. The Sanyo was much smoother on it's zoom (Zi8 was jerky) and the sound was much better (eliminated the wind noise that the Zi8 picked up). Video quality seemed comparable.

People do complain on the Xacti about the photo's (it's a 10mp camera). Once you know what you're doing and get the settings correct, it works great.

 

[battricia]

i don't know about these things that much, but my mom bought us a kodak one for christmas and I like it a lot. the picture is so clear, i am always amazed by it.

 

[odrog]

I own a zi8 and could not be happier.

The thing that drove me to go with the zi8 over the others was not only the better picture quality but it also has Image stabilization. Image stabilization is a big deal when your talking about these small hald held camcorders. As far I know none of the other flip camcorders have image stabilization.

The battery life is great and has never let me down. As mentioned the better image quality and the presence of image stabilization makes the zi* the way to go for me.

Note, if you do go with the zi8 and you are going to get a memory card for it. Make sure you get a higher end memory card. The card needs a fast write speed or you will not be able to record in HD. I went with a 32 GB card (HD eats up a lot of memory) with a decent write speed and it cost $90.

 

[mariaw888]

Have you considered just getting a good quality point and shoot camera? HD is now an option on some if that is important to you. I have a Canon sd1100 and I am more than pleased with the video quality and it takes excellent 10 megapixel photographs. I also have an waterproof housing for it and I have taken it on several scuba dive trips and even underwater the video is great. My kodak z18 is on a shelf somewhere collecting dust.

 

[Minnie824]

I have the kodak playsport and LOVE it. Just like the zi8 except its waterproof as well. check that one out too.

 

[LoriNSC]

I have the kodak playsport and LOVE it. Just like the zi8 except its waterproof as well. check that one out too.

I got the purple one on Amazon for $127 + free shipping. I've had it for a week now & I love it!

 

[nursetink]

I would not recommend the Flip. My daughter received a Mono HD for Christmas. It has been used no more than 5 times, and has never even been out of my home. Today she turned it on and it has a large black area on the screen and lines on the remainder of the screen. It is just shy of 6 months old. I contacted their customer service today who told me it was not covered under warranty, and I was welcome to pay them $79.99 to take a look and repair it. Their customer service is certainly lacking.

 

[SportsChick]

I bought the Kodak and then returned it. The sound quality and the lack of syncing the sound and video were my biggest issues.

 

[mtomlin66]

I got the purple one on Amazon for $127 + free shipping. I've had it for a week now & I love it!

We got our son a kodak playsport in March for his birthday and he loves it!

 

[4 DZNY NUTZ]

I have the kodak playsport and LOVE it. Just like the zi8 except its waterproof as well. check that one out too.

I just got the waterproof playsport as well and we LOVE it!!!

 

[NYCDiane]

I won a Flip at work. It's a great little camcorder, beyond simple to use. The only thing is, you really need to be close to the subject. Yes, you can zoom in but the quality isn't perfect. I would say it's good for family gatherings or You Tube videos but definitely NOT for school plays or things of that nature.

 

[bucket o' butter]

My son has the Kodak zi6 and we love it. He is only 10, but is able to take videos around the house and play them on the TV or his computer. I have used it several times and I just bought one for my classroom (I teach pre-school) next year. I plan on recording the children doing various educational and play activities and showing them to the children on the TV screen. It is so easy. Just record and then plug into your computer or TV and you have instant videos. I like the option of being able to take still pictures as well. I don't really know too much about the other brands, but I do recommend the Kodak version. We have the zi6, so I am sure the zi8 is better. Good luck!

 

[Pink Flamingo]

I would not recommend the Flip. My daughter received a Mono HD for Christmas. It has been used no more than 5 times, and has never even been out of my home. Today she turned it on and it has a large black area on the screen and lines on the remainder of the screen. It is just shy of 6 months old. I contacted their customer service today who told me it was not covered under warranty, and I was welcome to pay them $79.99 to take a look and repair it. Their customer service is certainly lacking.

I agree ~ same thing happened with the Flip I bought my DS for his birthday. Worked one day, the next day it didn't. Tried everything short of sending it in for repair, but to no avail.

 

[twinsplusone]

Thanks for all of your opinions. I've been reading reviews and think I'll go with the Kodak. I love the option of the expandable memory.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you get the Flip, you need to bring your laptop on vacation. There are no shops in Disney or its environs or anywhere else that can burn a DVD or change the memory card for you after the Flip fills up.